What Love Really Means

I was unable to control my emotions last night, as I sang through the penetrating lyrics of JJ Heller's, What Love Really Means:


"Who will love me for me?
Not for what I have done or what I will become?
Who will love me for me?
'Cause nobody has shown me what love, what love really means..."


The roller coaster ride between feeling adequate and inadequate is definitely a thrilling one!  Sometimes you know you're a gem, sometimes you feel you could be trampled on without anyone noticing.  I wish I always knew my worth and never based it on my achievements, flaws or failures.  I wish I always knew other people's worth and never based it on their achievements, flaws or failures.


Because when someone loves you for everything that you are and beholds it as this amazing treasure, it's an incredibly liberating experience.  You feel ok as you.  Quirks and flaws and brokenness.  


However, this unconditional love experience doesn't happen as often as I wish it would.  And I don't know how to fix the problem, other than love other people a little bit more unconditionally.


I also can't help but further analyze this topic, and I think there needs to be a disclaimer.


The famous Dr. Seuss quote says, "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."  I understand his gist, but that doesn't mean we have license to be wreckless with ourselves or other people.  I guess the big question is, are the characteristics that define us healthy ones?  Are we a beautiful, quirky mess, or are we toxic, destructive maniacs?  As much as unconditional love is an amazing blessing, we can't forsake our  betterment and then consider ourselves victims when nobody loves us.  Sometimes we are unlovable and need to change.


So, be the beautiful you that you are.  Exist as your unique self because there is no one quite like you, and it's fantastic!!!  But be aware of your character and don't justify your shortcomings as you.  Work to become the best version of yourself.